Why postcards with images of multiple launch rocket systems appear on social networks on Palm Sunday

Why postcards with images of multiple launch rocket systems appear on social networks on Palm Sunday

Postcards with the image of a multiple launch rocket system and the caption “I won’t – willow willow!” began to appear on social networks. This has been going on for several years on Palm Sunday due to a play on words – the name “Verba” is given to the Ukrainian multiple launch rocket system, developed on the basis of the Soviet Grad MLRS.

What is Verba MLRS

Photo: MLRS "Verba" at the rehearsal of the parade in Kyiv, 2018 (Wikipedia)

The BI-21U "Verba" multiple launch rocket system of 122 mm caliber was introduced in 2015 by the Kharkiv Morozov Design Bureau for Mechanical Engineering, known primarily for its upgraded version of the T-84 tank, called "Oplot". From the old Soviet Grad MLRS, in fact, she only had a warhead left – the chassis was replaced with a KrAZ-6322 truck, the navigation, communications, fire control and platform stabilization systems were completely replaced with modern ones. The main difference in terms of operation was a cabin for 5 people, which accommodates the entire crew, and a fully automated reloading process, for which a special transport-loading vehicle was created.

Photo: MLRS "Verba" transport-loading vehicle at the training ground, 2017 (Wikipedia)

The total mass of the Verba MLRS is 20 tons, the machine is capable of reaching a maximum speed of up to 85 km/h. Automatic reloading of a package of 40 missiles takes just 10 minutes (at Grad, reloading takes from an hour to two), while the crew does not have to leave the cockpit (manual charging mode has also been preserved and inherited from Grad). All this greatly increases mobility along with increased crew safety, which is essential in modern warfare.

Palm Sunday: what is celebrated

On this day, they celebrate the anniversary of Entrance of the Lord into Jerusalem: according to the gospels, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, where he was greeted by the inhabitants of the city with palm branches and https://de.opay.com.ng/page-ifa-2014-htc-desire-820 exclamations of "Hosanna"). The holiday is celebrated on the last Sunday before Easter. Palm Sunday is called because of the tradition of consecrating willow branches in churches, symbolizing palm trees, which, for obvious reasons, do not grow in our country.

It’s not I who won’t – willow willow!

According to Ukrainian traditions, on this day it is customary to greet relatives and friends with light blows of consecrated willow branches, saying "I won’t use it – willow willow, it’s Great Day for this day." Thus, the play on words with the Verba MLRS acquires an ironic meaning associated with the Orthodox tradition.